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Milk Stout, Left Hand Brewing Company, Longmont
Style: Stout
Serving Type: 12-ounce bottle
ABV: 6 percent
Hop Meter (1–10): 4
Malt Meter (1–10): 8
Reviewed: September 2015
When you toast marshmallows over a fire, there is a crucial time when the sugary blob is melted just enough so that it is dangling off the skewer and the edges have turned a caramel gold. A few more seconds of heat, and the marshmallow would be charred. In that moment of perfection, the marshmallow smells delightfully of smoky sugar. That’s what Left Hand Brewing Company’s Milk Stout smells like when you open a bottle.
(Read more beer reviews from 5280 editors)
If that isn’t enough to convince you to buy a six-pack, let me go on. Depending on the light, the brew’s color will show highlights of onyx, crimson, and dark chocolate. The latte-colored head bubbles up quickly, with thick lacing. On first sip, you’ll pick up plenty of silky-smooth milk with a more subtle influx of hot-cocoa-esque tones. These flavors remain in balance as you sip.
And while this brew reminds us of s’mores, hot chocolate, and fires, it would be shame to think of this velvety thick brew as a winter-only purchase. We love it even more in summer and fall when we can chill it excessively and feel like we’re drinking grown-up chocolate milk as the sun sets.
The Ideal Drinker: Your friend who only likes Guinness.
(Check out 5280’s comprehensive guide to Colorado’s craft beer scene)
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